While dogs usually enjoy trying to eat anything and everything, grass always seems to be of particular interest to them. There are many reasons as to why dogs may be eating grass. Some reasons are perfectly normal, while others may suggest an underlying issue. Some of the reasons are as follows:

Digestive problems

Eating grass is often a natural way for dogs to relieve an upset stomach. With the number of random things our pups put in their mouths, it is no surprise that they will have some digestive issues here and there. When dogs eat grass, it can induce vomiting or bowel movements, which can help relieve the discomfort that they are feeling.

Nutritional deficiency

If your dog is eating a lot of grass, it may indicate that they are not getting all the necessary nutrients from their food and are attempting to supplement their diet with grass. Unfortunately for your pup, grass does not actually provide significant nutritional benefits - except for some fiber. In general, dogs that eat a lot of processed food or have a limited diet will seek out eating grass more often.

Boredom or Stress

Our dogs do strange things when they are bored or feeling stressed. This boredom or stress can very well result from insufficient mental and physical stimulation. While every dog is different, some dogs will resort to eating grass to occupy themselves if they are overly bored or stressed. This is similar to how a dog may become destructive in the house when feeling bored or stressed.

Habit

Our dogs are creatures of habit and sometimes may develop a habit of eating grass and then continue to do so for no particular reason. Let’s face it, our dogs are a bit weird, and eating grass might just be a fun activity for them.

Should you be concerned about your dog eating grass?

In most cases, occasional grass eating is not a cause for concern. Sometimes dogs are just being dogs and will put random things in their mouths. That said, if your dog is eating excessive amounts of grass, you may need to consult your veterinarian. Your dog might have an upset stomach, digestive issues, or nutritional deficiency. If the grass eating is coupled with your dog showing other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it can very well be a sign that your pup needs medical attention.

Should you stop your dog from eating grass?

While a little bit of grass eating will not endanger your dog, you should monitor what kind of grass they consume. Some grass may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizers, which can be highly dangerous for dogs to ingest. Additionally, some plants commonly referred to as “grass” may be toxic for your pup to eat. In general, it would be best to curb the behavior to the extent that your dog is not constantly chewing on the greens whenever they have the chance.